Negros troops seize rebels’ guns, bombs, smokes

Government troops seized firearms, explosives, food, and cigarettes allegedly intended for New People’s Army (NPA) members, during an operation in Mabinay, Negros Oriental, a military spokesman said Saturday.

Among those seized were two M16 rifles, five magazines, 112 pieces of M16 ammunition, six rounds of 40-millimeter rifle grenades, two other rifle grenades, 35 meters of detonating cord, 6 pounds of TNT, and 1.5 pounds of C4 explosive, Capt. Anacito Naz, spokesman of the Army’s 302nd Brigade, said.

Also confiscated were a sack of rice, 100 cans of sardines, three boxes of noodles, three bags of crackers, four bags of “3 in 1” instant coffee, and four rims of cigarettes, Naz said.

He said the supplies, allegedly intended for members of thew NPA Sentral Komiteng Rehiyon Negros’ Sangay sa Partido sa Platoon, were found at a forested area in Brgy. Mayaposi around 3 a.m. Friday.

Members of the 79th and 12th Infantry Battalions carried out a strike operation after receiving information that supplies for the rebels were being transported to the mountains, Naz said. (John Roson)